Dear Crimson Tide Fan,
This Friday night promises to be very exciting night for Alabama Gymnastics for a number of reasons. First off, it's the Auburn meet. We are the in midst of a 25-plus year winning streak against the Tigers and I for one want to keep it going as long as we can. It's also alumni night for the gymnastics program, and ladies from across the country and the years will make their way back to the Capstone to visit with each other, their coaches and to see the latest generation of gymnasts continue their legacy.
But the most exciting thing about Friday night is that it will be our first "Target the Cure" meet. This event is dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer, its detection, prevention and treatment.
Every three minutes, a woman in this country is diagnosed with breast cancer. I have been blessed in many ways, both personally and professionally. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful family and work with talented young women and colleagues. I am also lucky that for the past 27 years I have been able to work for a great University doing something that I truly love. And I am also blessed with truly outstanding health care, but I know that is not the case for all women.
With that fact in mind, I approached Larry O'Neil at DCH Hospital about having a special fund initiated for disadvantaged women in Tuscaloosa, so they can have the same medical treatments that the more fortunate are able to seek through their insurance plans. From that first meeting, the idea of using our wonderful venue to promote "Target the Cure" was born.
The response to this idea has been wonderful. The Auburn coaches, Jeff and Rachael Thompson, brought the Tigers on board immediately and they are as committed to making an impact as we are. Both schools agree that while our rivalry is important and exciting, there are causes such as this one where it is important to work together for the greater good.
With that in mind, this Friday, February 4th Alabama will put aside its crimson and white leotards and Auburn will leave their orange and blue at home. Both teams will wear pink leotards, generously donated for this occasion by The Elite Sportswear company, to draw awareness to our cause. We also welcome the help of campus sorority Zeta Tau Alpha, who will be on hand to help pass out special informational flyers to those in attendance, letting everyone know how they can contribute.
And for those who might not be able to attend and would like to help, you can make a donation directly to the DCH Breast Cancer Fund, please mail a check to: DCH Foundation, 809 University Blvd. E., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Please note DCH Breast Cancer Fund on the memo line of your check.
As part of our alumni weekend, we are very happy to welcome Allie Green Hayes, a member of our first recruiting class, back to the Capstone. She is a breast cancer survivor and as such knows just how important education is in fighting this disease. Allie will be coming to Tuscaloosa from Maryland with her daughter Grace, whose goal is to one day be an Alabama gymnast herself. It will be great to see her as well as all of our former athletes.
Again, we hope that you will join us Friday. We enjoy tremendous support for our program and I sincerely hope that through "Target the Cure", we can continue to make a difference in the Alabama community. If just one woman in our community benefits from this initiative, it will all be worthwhile. Certainly, competing for championships is important; but the opportunity to give back to this community, which has been so very supportive of us, is among our highest priorities.
We look forward to seeing you in Coleman Coliseum Friday night!
Roll Tide!
